The State Protection Service Has Entered a New Phase by Gaining the Status of an Agency Under the Prime Minister: Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan introduced the newly appointed head of the State Protection Service, Artur Gasparyan, to the service members. The Prime Minister first expressed his gratitude to Sargis Hovhannisyan for his tenure as the head of the State Protection Service and for his long-term service in general.

Pashinyan wished Artur Gasparyan success in his new role as the head of the State Protection Service. “I believe that the past year was pivotal for the service in that it has entered a new phase of development by gaining the status of an agency under the Prime Minister, transitioning from one supervised by the National Security Service. This is, in essence, not a step outside of the general process but has progressed step-by-step towards developing the State Protection Service,” he stated. “But this is just the first step or, more precisely, the beginning of a long journey, because we hope that the State Protection Service will develop into a capable special service ensuring state security.”

“However, it is also clear that this cannot be accomplished in one day or even two, and we must have a clear understanding and a specific plan for how we will achieve this. Essentially, that program is at least in the formation stage, and the visions are largely shaped. Now is the time to implement it. Adjustments will also need to be made along the way—understanding what is appropriate for the current situation and what is not. But overall, I believe that an important decision has been made, and I am confident in the correctness of that decision. Although we will see during the implementation that certain approaches need to be adjusted and refined, that is a different topic for discussion.”

Addressing Hovhannisyan again, he said, “Thank you once again for your long-term service in general within the State Protection Service, and specifically for serving as its head. You have managed to work in both old and new capacities, and that deserves recognition.”

Sargis Hovhannisyan expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his trust and congratulated Artur Gasparyan on his appointment as the head of the State Protection Service. Hovhannisyan wished peaceful service to the members of the State Protection Service.

In turn, Artur Gasparyan also thanked the Prime Minister for his trust, stating, “It is a great honor for me to lead the State Protection Service. I assure you that the service will carry out all tasks set before it with great honor.”